User interface system

ABSTRACT

A user interface system of one embodiment includes a layer defining a surface; a substrate supporting the layer and at least partially defining a cavity; a displacement coupled to the cavity that expands the cavity, thereby deforming a particular region of the surface; and a touch sensor coupled to the substrate and adapted to sense a user touch proximate the particular region of the surface. The layer and the substrate are connected at an attachment point, and the location of the attachment point relative to the layer, substrate, and cavity at least partially defines the shape of the deformed particular region of the surface.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No.12/652,708, filed on 5 Jan. 2010, which is a continuation-in-part ofprior U.S. application Ser. No. 12/319,334, filed on 5 Jan. 2009, whichis a continuation-in-part of prior U.S. application Ser. No. 11/969,848,filed on 4 Jan. 2008, all of which are incorporated in their entirety bythis reference. U.S. application Ser. No. 12/652,708 claims the benefitof U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/223,002, filed 3 Jul. 2009, whichis incorporated in its entirety by this reference.

This application is also a continuation-in-part of prior U.S.application Ser. No. 13/414,589, filed on 7 Mar. 2012, which is acontinuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 12/319,334, filed on 5 Jan.2009, which is a continuation-in-part of prior U.S. application Ser. No.11/969,848, filed on 4 Jan. 2008, all of which are incorporated in theirentirety by this reference.

This application is also a continuation-in-part of prior U.S.application Ser. No. 11/969,848, filed on 4 Jan. 2008, which isincorporated in its entirety by this reference.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a top view of the user interface system of a preferredembodiment;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the operation of a buttonarray in accordance to the preferred embodiments;

FIGS. 3 a, 3 b, and 3 c are cross-sectional views of the retracted,extended, and user input modes of the preferred embodiments,respectively;

FIGS. 4 a and 4 b, 5 a and 5 b, and 6 a and 6 b are top andcross-sectional views of the circular, rectangular, and ringarrangements, respectively, of the attachment points of the preferredembodiment;

FIGS. 7 a and 7 b are cross-sectional views of the retracted andextended states, respectively, of the first variation of the firstpreferred embodiment;

FIGS. 8 a and 8 b are cross-sectional views of the retracted andextended states, respectively, of the second variation of the firstpreferred embodiment;

FIGS. 9 a and 9 b are cross-sectional views of the retracted andextended states, respectively, of the third variation of the firstpreferred embodiment;

FIGS. 10 a and 10 b, 11 a and 11 b, and 12 a and 12 b arecross-sectional views of the retracted and extended states of the firstvariation of the second preferred embodiment with thin regions at theattachment point, thin regions closer to the center of the cavity thanthe attachment point, and with multiple thin regions, respectively;

FIGS. 13 a and 13 b are cross sectional views of the fully expanded anduser actuated states, respectively, of the particular region;

FIGS. 14 a and 14 b are cross-sectional views of the second variation ofthe second preferred embodiment with a pocket within the layer in theretracted and extended state, and

FIGS. 15 a and 15 b are cross-sectional and top views, respectively, ofthe second variation of the second preferred embodiment with a pocketthrough the thickness of the layer;

FIGS. 16 a and 16 b are cross-sectional views of the third variation ofthe second preferred embodiment in the retracted and extended states,respectively;

FIGS. 17 a and 17 b are cross-sectional views of the first variation ofthe third preferred embodiment in the retracted and extended states,respectively;

FIGS. 18 a and 18 b are cross-sectional views of the second variation ofthe third preferred embodiment in the retracted and extended states,respectively; and

FIGS. 19 and 20 are top views of examples of the second variation of thethird preferred embodiment.

FIGS. 21 a and 21 b are cross-sectional views of a support memberbetween the layer and the substrate, with the cavity in a retractedvolume setting and an expanded volume setting, respectively.

FIG. 21 c is a top view of the support member.

FIG. 21 d is a cross-sectional view of an alternative support memberthat partially defines the cavity.

FIGS. 22 a-22 d are elevation views of variations of the preferredsystem.

FIGS. 23 a-23 c are elevation views of one variation of the preferredsystem.

FIGS. 24 a and 24 b are elevation views of one variation of thepreferred system.

FIGS. 25 a and 25 b are elevation views of one variation of thepreferred system.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The following description of the preferred embodiments of the inventionis not intended to limit the invention to these preferred embodiments,but rather to enable any person skilled in the art to make and use thisinvention.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the user interface system 100 of thepreferred embodiment includes: a layer 110 defining a surface 115, asubstrate 120 supporting the layer no and at least partially defining acavity 125, a displacement device 130 coupled to the cavity 125 andadapted to expand the cavity 125 thereby deforming a particular region113 of the surface 115, and a touch sensor 140 that detects inputs fromthe user. The perimeter of the particular region 113 is at leastpartially defined by one or more attachment points 112. The userinterface system 100 may also include a display 150 coupled to thebottom surface of the substrate 120 and adapted to output images to theuser.

The user interface system 100 of the preferred embodiments has beenspecifically designed to be used as the user interface for an electronicdevice, more preferably in an electronic device that benefits from anadaptive user interface. The electronic device, which may or may notinclude a display, is preferably an automotive console, a desktopcomputer, a laptop computer, a tablet computer, a television, a radio, adesk phone, a mobile phone, a PDA, a personal navigation device, apersonal media player, a camera, a watch, a remote, a mouse, a trackpad,or a keyboard. The user interface system 100 may, however, be used asthe user interface for any suitable device that interfaces with a userin a tactile and/or visual manner. As shown in FIG. 3, the surface 115of the user interface system 100 preferably remains flat until a tactileguidance is to be provided at the location of the particular region 113.The surface 115 of the user interface system 100 may also be deformedwhen a user input is required. At that time, the displacement device 130expands the cavity 125 to expand the particular region 113, forming adeformation that may be felt by a user, and providing tactile guidancefor the user. The expanded particular region 113 preferably alsoprovides tactile feedback when the user applies force onto theparticular region 113 to provide input. However, any other arrangementof the user interface system 100 suitable to providing tactile guidanceand/or detecting user input may be used.

As shown in FIGS. 3 a, 3 b and 3 c, the cavities 125 of the preferredembodiment functions to hold a fluid and to have at least two volumetricsettings: a retracted volume setting (shown in FIG. 3 a) and an expandedvolume setting (shown in FIG. 3 b), both of which are actuated by thedisplacement device 130. When in the expanded volume setting, the usermay inwardly deform (or “actuate”) the particular region 113 to providea user input (shown in FIG. 3 c). The fluid is preferably a liquid (suchas water, glycerin, or ethylene glycol), but may alternatively be a gas(such as air, nitrogen, or argon) or any other substance (such as a gelor aerogel) that expands the cavity 125 and deforms the surface 115. Inthe expanded volume setting, the cavity 125 expands above the plane ofthe surface 115, thereby deforming a particular region of the surface115. The deformation of the particular region 113 functions to providetactile guidance and/or tactile feedback on the surface 115 for theuser. The deformation of the particular region 113 also preferablyfunctions to inform the user of the type of input the deformationrepresents. For example, the deformation of the particular region 113may be of a shape that indicates the type of input that the deformationrepresents. Alternatively, the sheet 110 may include tactileinstructions, for example, a pattern of beads or substantially smallprotrusions that may be felt by the user on the particular region 113that indicate the type of input the deformation represents. The tactileinstructions on the particular region 113 may alternatively be any othertype of feature that is able to be felt tactilely by the user.

The layer no and the substrate 120 of the preferred embodiment functionto cooperatively define the cavity 125. The layer no and substrate 120are preferably similar to the layer and substrate disclosed and taughtin U.S. application Ser. No. 12/319,334, but may alternatively be anysuitable type. The layer no is preferably more pliable than thesubstrate 120 such that, as the cavity 125 expands, the layer no deformswhile the substrate no remains relatively undeformed. If the userinterface system 100 includes a display 150, then the layer no and thesubstrate 120 are preferably both relatively transparent to allow theimages displayed by the display 150 to be seen through the layer no andthe substrate 120. The layer no and the substrate 120 may also be indexmatched to allow light transmitted through without interruption.However, the layer 110 and the substrate 120 may be of any othersuitable property. The layer no is preferably directly coupled to thesubstrate 120. Alternatively, the user interface system 100 may includean additional layer in that is in arranged in between the layer no andthe substrate 120. The additional layer 111 may function as a supportlayer that includes perforations that allow for the fluid to expand thecavity 125 and deform the layer no and the particular region of thesurface 113. In this variation, the attachment point 112 is preferablyarranged to couple the layer 110 to the additional layer 111.Alternatively, the additional layer 111 may deform with the layer 110and the particular region of the surface no. In this variation, theattachment point 112 is preferably arranged to couple the additionallayer 111 to the substrate 120. However, any other suitable arrangementof the layer no, the substrate 120, and the attachment point 112 may beused.

As shown in FIGS. 21 a and 21 b, the substrate 120 may include alattice-like support member 119 under the particular region of thesurface 115. When the cavity 125 is expanded and the deformation ispresent in the surface 115, the support member 119 functions to preventa user from “pressing too far” into the deformation below the plane ofthe surface 115. When the cavity 125 is not expanded and the deformationis not present in the surface 115, the support member 119 functions toreduce (or potentially eliminate) the user from feeling “divots” in thesurface 115 when swiping a finger across the surface 115. As shown inFIG. 21 c, the support member 119 preferably includes holes or channelsthat allow for the expansion of the cavity 125 and the deformation ofthe surface 115. The support member 119 is preferably integrally formedwith the substrate 124, but may alternatively be formed with the layer110 or may be separately formed and later attached to the substrate 120.Finally, as shown in FIG. 21 d, the support member 119 may alternativelypartially define the cavity 125. The substrate 120 is preferably rigid,but may alternatively be flexible in one or more directions. Thesubstrate 120—if located above the display 150—is preferably opticallytransparent, but may—if located below the display 150 or if bundledwithout a display 150—be translucent or opaque. The substrate 120 ispreferably made from a material including polymers or glass, forexample, elastomers, silicon-based organic polymers such aspoly-dimethylsiloxane (PDMS), thermoset plastics such as polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), and photocurable solvent resistant elastomers suchas perfluropolyethers. The substrate 120 may, however, be made of anysuitable material that supports the layer 110 and at least partiallydefines the cavity 125. In the preferred version, the substrate 120 is asingle homogenous layer approximately 1 mm to 0.1 mm thick and can bemanufactured using well-known techniques for micro-fluid arrays tocreate one or more cavities and/or micro channels. In alternativeversions, the substrate 120 may be constructed using multiple layersfrom the same material or from different suitable materials.

As shown in FIG. 2, the touch sensor 140 of the preferred embodimentfunctions to detect the presence of a user input proximate to theparticular region 113 of the surface 115. The touch sensor 140preferably detects the presence of a user touch by detecting a forcethat inwardly deforms the deformed particular region 113 or any otherportion of the surface 115, but may alternatively detect the presence ofa user touch by detecting the presence of the finger at a locationproximate to the particular region 113. The touch sensor 140 may be acapacitive sensor, a resistive sensor, a pressure sensor, or any othersuitable type of sensor.

As shown in FIGS. 4-6, the shape of the deformation of the particularregion 113 is preferably one that is felt by a user through their finger(or multiple fingers). In a first variation, the shape of thedeformation of the particular region 113 preferably acts as and providesthe feeling of a button that can be pressed by the user, such as akeyboard (shown in FIGS. 4, 5 a, and 5 b). In a second variation, theshape preferably acts and provides the feeling of a slider that can bepressed by the user in one location along the slider or that can beswept in a sliding motion along the slider, such as the “click wheel” ofthe Apple iPod—second generation (shown in FIG. 6). In a thirdvariation, the shape preferably acts and provides the feeling of apointing stick that can be pressed by the user from multiple directionsand/or locations along the surface whereby the user is provided withtactile feedback that distinguishes a first directional touch from asecond directional touch and/or a touch in a first location from a touchin a second location, such as the pointing stick marketed by IBM as theTRACKPOINT and by Synaptics as the TOUCHSTYK, which are both informallyknown as the “nipple”. The deformation may, however, act as any othersuitable device or method that provides suitable tactile guidance andfeedback. In the variation including a display 150, the shape of thedeformation of the particular region 113 also preferably functions tominimize the optical distortion of the image underneath the deformedparticular region 113.

The shape of the deformation of the particular region 113 is preferablycontrolled using one of three preferred embodiments. In a firstpreferred embodiment, the shape is controlled by the location of theattachment points 112 of the layer 110 to the substrate 120. In a secondpreferred embodiment, the shape is controlled by the geometry of thelayer 110 in relation to the attachment points 112. In a third preferredembodiment, the shape is controlled by the material composition of thelayer no in relation to the attachment points 112. The invention ispreferably of one of the three aforementioned embodiments, but mayalternatively be any combination or permutation of the threeaforementioned embodiments. In other words, the shape of the deformationof the particular region 113 may also be thought of as the result of aformula or combination of characteristics of the particular region 113of the surface, such as the thickness of the material, the geometry ofthe material, the modulus of elasticity of the material, and thepressure applied to the particular region 113, and/or the location ofthe attachment points 112. In addition, any other suitable method forcontrolling the shape of the deformation of the particular region 113may be used, for example, the shape of the deformation of the particularregion 113 may be changed by adjusting the pressure provided by thedisplacement device 130 to expand the cavity 125.

1. First Preferred Embodiment: Attachment Point Location

The first preferred embodiment utilizes the location of the attachmentpoints 112 to control the shape of the distortion of the particularregion 113. As mentioned above, the perimeter of the particular region113 is at least partially defined by the attachment points 112. Morespecifically, the attachment point 112 defines a “transition point”between a first portion of the layer 110 located on a first side of theattachment point 112 that experiences significant deformation (theparticular region 113) and a second portion of the layer 110 located ona second side of the attachment point 112 that experiences little or nodeformation. In the preferred embodiment, the attachment points 112 arepreferably a series of continuous points that define an edge, but mayalternatively be a series of non-continuous points. The attachmentpoints 112 are preferably defined during the attachment process of thelayer 110 to the substrate 120. For example, the layer no may beattached to the substrate 120 using an adhesive, heat treatment,ultra-sonic bonding, oxygen plasma surface treatment, or any othertechniques known to one skilled in the art. During the attachmentprocess, a particular region of the layer no is left unattached from thesubstrate 120. The attached region of the layer 110 directly adjacent tothis unattached region is defined as the attachment points 112. Theattachment points 112 may also be defined during the manufacturing ofthe layer no and the substrate 120. For example, the substrate 120 maybe manufactured with attachment geometry (e.g. a hole) and the layer nomay be manufactured with a reciprocating attachment geometry (e.g. apost). Upon attachment of the layer no to the substrate 120, theattachment geometry is engaged, attaching the layer 110 to the substrate120 and defining the attachment points 112. However, any other methodsuitable to defining the attachment points 112 may be used.

The attachment points 112 preferably define the perimeter of theparticular region 113 into a shape selected from (1) a substantiallycircular region (shown in FIG. 4) that preferably results in a dome-likedeformation, (2) a rectangular region (shown in FIG. 5) that preferablyresults in a ridge-like deformation, (3) a square region (not shown)that preferably results in a square shaped deformation, such as thoseseen in keyboards, (4) a ring-like region (as shown in FIG. 6) thatpreferably results in a ridge-like deformation in the form of a ring,and/or any other suitable shape for the particular region 113. As thecavity 125 is deformed by the displacement device 130, the particularregion 113 is deformed. The particular region 113 is preferably adjacentto the cavity 125 and/or partially defines the cavity 125, allowingdeformation of the cavity 125 to directly deform the particular region113, but may alternatively be located in any other suitable location.Because the particular region 113 is located adjacent to the cavity 125,the location of the attachment points 112 relative to the cavity 125have a direct effect on the shape of the deformation of the particularregion 113. As shown in FIGS. 7 a and 7 b, the attachment points 112 atfirst positions that are closer to the center of the cavity 125 may leadto a dome-like deformation with a first diameter along the surface 115.As shown in FIGS. 8 a and 8 b, attachment points 112 at second positionsthat are farther away from the center of the cavity 125 than the firstpositions, may lead to a dome-like deformation with a second diameteralong the surface 115 that is larger than the first diameter. As shownin FIGS. 9 a and 9 b, attachment points 112 at third positions that arecloser to the center of the cavity 125 than the first positions may leadto a dome-like deformation with a third diameter that is smaller thanthe first diameter. The described attachment points may also lead todome-like deformations with a first, second, and third heightrespectively and/or a first, second and third curvature respectivelythat may be adjusted by varying the level of deformation caused by thedisplacement device 130. For example, if the level of deformation orlevel of change in fluid volume caused by the displacement device 130 isconstant, because the deformation or fluid of the cavity is spread overa larger surface area in the variation shown in FIGS. 8 a and 8 b andspread over a smaller surface area in the variation shown in FIGS. 9 aand 9 b, the tactile feedback felt by the user from the particularregion 113 in the variation shown in FIGS. 8 a and 8 b is of a softersurface than that felt in the variation shown in FIGS. 9 a and 9 b.

The attachment points 112 may also be located along the wall of thecavity 125 at an “depth” lower than the rest of the layer no. Theattachment points 112 are preferably symmetric relative to the center ofthe cavity 125, but may alternatively be asymmetric relative to thecenter of the cavity 125. However, the attachment point 112 may belocated in any other location and/or arrangement suitable to achieve thedesired shape and feel for the deformation of the particular region 113.

2. Second Preferred Embodiment: Geometry

The second preferred embodiment utilizes geometry of the layer 110 inrelation to the attachment points 112 to control the shape of thedeformation of the particular region 113. The attachment points 112 ofthe second preferred embodiment are preferably similar or identical tothose of the first preferred embodiment. The geometry of the layer no inrelation to the attachment points 112 preferably create regions ofhigher pliability and regions of lower pliability. As the cavity 125 isexpanded, the particular region 113 is deformed to accommodate for theadjusted volume and pressure. The regions of higher pliability willdeform (e.g. stretch, bend, and/or compress) more while the regions oflower pliability will deform less. The implementation of certaincombinations of regions of relatively higher pliability and regions ofrelatively lower pliability along the layer 113 allows for the controlof the shape of the deformation of the particular region 113.Implementation of such regions is preferably achieved in one of severalvariations.

2.1 Second Preferred Embodiment—First Variation

In a first variation of the second preferred embodiment, as shown inFIGS. 10 a and 10 b, the layer 110 includes a first portion 210 with afirst thickness and a second portion 220 with a second thickness that isless than the first thickness. The surface 115 is preferably planar,thus the thickness is preferably “removed” from the side of the layer110 opposite of the surface 115, but may be “removed” from any othersuitable portion of the layer 110 that does not cause the side of thelayer 110 that defines the surface 115 to be noticeably non-planar. Inthis variation, the layer 110 is preferably of a homogenous or uniformmaterial. The layer 110 may also include a third portion (not shown) ofa third thickness that is less than the first thickness, but greaterthan the second thickness. The third portion may alternatively be of avarying thickness and functions as a transitional region between thefirst portion 210 and the second portion 220. The third portion mayalternatively function to provide additional control of the shape of thedeformation of the particular region 113. For example, in the variationwherein the deformation of the particular region 113 is a square-likedeformation, the third portion may function to form a concave topsurface, providing the user with a tactile indication of where to placetheir finger, similar that seen on a key of a keyboard. The secondportion 220 effectively acts as a material with higher pliability thanthe first portion 210 and substantially biases the particular region 113to deform at a higher degree at the second portion 220 than at the firstportion 210. The second portion 220 of the layer 110 may be locatedadjacent to the attachment points 112 (shown in FIG. 10 a), resulting ina higher degree of deformation at the attachment points 112 (shown inFIG. 10 b), but may alternatively be located closer to the center of thecavity 125 than the attachment points 112, as shown in FIG. 11 a,resulting in a lesser degree of deformation at the attachment points 112and a higher degree of deformation at the second portion 220 of thelayer 110, as shown in FIG. 11 b. However, the second portion 220 of thelayer 110 may be located in any other suitable location where a higherdegree of deformation is desired. The user may feel the pliabilitydifferences between the first portion 210 and the second portion 220.Because the thickness of the second portion 220 is preferably “removed”from the side of the layer 110 opposite of the surface 115, the surfaceof the substrate 120 that interfaces with the layer 110 may include amating geometry 225 to support the layer 110 at the second portion 220and decrease the difference felt by the user between the first andsecond portions 210 and 220, as shown in FIGS. 10 a and 10 b. Thecombination of the first portion 210 and the second portion 220 may alsoresult in a deformation shape that is no longer a typical dome-likeshape. For example, as shown in FIGS. 10 a and 10 b, the resulting shapeis preferably a button with a relatively flat top. If the user interfacesystem 100 is provided with a display 150, this may be advantageous inpreventing the optical distortion of an image that is displayed on adisplay 150 underneath the particular region 113.

As shown in FIG. 12 a, a plurality of first and second portions 210 and220 may be included in the layer 110, which results in a deformationshape of a nub with bellows, as shown in FIG. 12 b. This shape may beuseful in the application of a pointing stick by allowing for a higherdegree of tactile feedback (e.g. from the elastic response of theplurality of second portion 220 s) when the user pushes the deformationin a variety of directions. However, any other suitable arrangement ofthe thinner second portion 220 s may be used.

The combination of first and second portion 220 s may be used to createa “living” or “natural” hinge, such as those seen in commonly used snaptop bottle caps. The natural hinge for the deformation of the particularregion 113 preferably allows for two states, an extended state and aretracted state. When the cavity 125 is not deformed, the particularregion is preferably in the retracted state. As the cavity 125 isexpanded, the particular region 113 is preferably transitioned into anexpanded state. When the cavity 125 is returned to the not deformedstate, the particular region 113 is also preferably returned to theretracted state. Alternatively, as shown in FIGS. 13 a and 13 b, the“living” or “natural” hinge may function to provide a third state to thedeformation of the particular region 113. For example, the expandedstate of the deformation of the particular region 113 may include twostates: the fully expanded state (as shown in FIG. 13 a) and the useractuated state (as shown in FIG. 13 b). The fully expanded statefunctions to provide the user with tactile guidance and the actuatedstate functions to provide the user with the tactile indication that theuser has applied a force to the system. The user actuated state ispreferably of an expansion that is in between the retracted state andthe fully expanded state. Once the force applied by the user is removed,the deformed particular region preferably returns to the fully actuatedstate until the cavity 125 is no longer expanded. In other words, theexpanded state of the deformation of the particular region 113 is abi-modal geometry. This may be applied in user scenarios wherein theuser interface system 100 provides tactile guidance for a “clickable”button (e.g. a keyboard key).

The thinner second portion 220 is preferably created during themanufacturing process of the layer 110. For example, the layer no may bemolded to contain the first portion 210, thinner second portion 220,and/or the third portion. The thinner second portion 220 may also becreated after the layer 110 has been made. For example, the layer no maybe molded as a continuous sheet with uniform thickness. The thinnersecond portion 220 is then created through a cutting process thatremoves an amount of thickness from the second portion 220 of the layer110. However, any other suitable method and/or process to create thesecond portion 220 may be used.

2.2 Second Preferred Embodiment—Second Variation

In a second variation of the second preferred embodiment, as shown inFIG. 9, the layer no preferably includes a second portion 220 thatdefines a pocket (or “void”) within the layer no and a first portion 210that is continuous and does not define a cavity. In this variation, thelayer 110 is preferably made of a uniform material. The layer 110 mayalso include a third portion that defines a pocket smaller than thepocket of the second region 220. The third portion may alternativelydefine a pocket of varying size and functions as a transitional regionbetween the first portion 210 and the second portion 220. The thirdportion may alternatively function to provide additional control of theshape of the deformation of the particular region 113. For example, inthe variation wherein the deformation of the particular region 113 is asquare-like deformation, the third portion may function to form aconcave portion of the square, providing the user with a tactileindication of where to place their finger, similar that seen on a key ofa keyboard. The second portion 220 effectively acts as a material withhigher pliability than the first portion 210 and substantially biasesthe particular region 113 to deform at a higher degree at the secondportion 220 than at the first portion 210, as shown in FIGS. 14 a and 14b. The second portion 220 of the second variation preferably functionssimilarly or identically to the second portion 220 of a second thicknessin the first variation.

The pocket is preferably defined during the manufacturing process of thelayer no, for example, the layer 110 may be manufactured using aplurality of thin-layers that are stacked. Thin-layers that are placedtowards the middle of the layer 110 preferably define a hole whilethin-layers that are placed on the top and bottom of the layer no arepreferably continuous (e.g. do not define a hole). When stacked, thecompleted layer no will contain the second portion 220 that defines apocket. The pocket may alternatively be defined in a post-manufacturingprocess, for example, a heat treatment in a particular location alongthe layer 110 that causes the material of the layer 110 to shrink at theparticular location, causing a pocket to form internally. The pocket mayalso be filled with a fluid, gel, or any other suitable material thathas a refractive index that is substantially identical to that of thesheet no. This will allow the second portion 220 to be a region ofhigher pliability while remaining substantially invisible to the user.However, any other method and/or process suitable to creating the pocketmay be used. Additionally, similar to the first variation, the layer nomay include a plurality of first and second portions 210 and 220 tocreate a desired shape for the deformation of the particular region 113.

As shown in FIGS. 15 a and 15 b, the pocket may extend through theentire thickness of the layer no (thereby creating a “canyon”) andalternated with first portions that do not define a pocket. In thisvariation, the pocket is preferably isolated from the cavity 125,preferably by the additional layer in, but may alternatively be by anyother suitable method. In this variation, the additional layer 111preferably functions to prevent leakage of the fluid from the cavity 125through the layer no onto the surface 115. The additional layer 111 ispreferably continuous without any perforations, preventing the passageof the fluid through the additional layer 111 to the layer no where thefluid may leak through the pocket onto the surface 115. Alternatively,the additional layer 111 may function to allow fluid to pass throughproximal to the first portion 210 of the layer 110 that does not includepockets and to prevent fluid to pass through proximal to the secondportion 220 of the layer 110 (for example, by forming a webbing betweenthe additional layer 111 and the layer 110 that directs flow of fluid asdesired), thus preventing fluid from leaking out the pockets to thesurface 115. However, the additional layer 111 may prevent leakage offluid through the layer 110 to the surface 115 in any other suitablemethod. The pocket of this variation may also be defined using thelayering method of thin-layers described above, but may alternatively bedefined in a post-manufacturing process, for example, a stampingprocess. The layer 110 may be manufactured as a continuous sheet usingany suitable method and then cut using a cutting die, creating a pocketthrough the thickness of the layer no. The cutting die may create aplurality of pockets at one time, but may alternatively create onepocket at a time. However, any other method and/or process suitable tocreating the pocket may be used.

The pocket of the second variation is preferably of a circular shape(e.g., spherical or cylindrical), but may alternatively be of an arcshape, a rectangular shape (e.g., a rectangular prism), or any othershape suitable to providing the desired geometry of the deformation ofthe particular region 113.

Second Preferred Embodiment—Third Variation

In a third variation of the second preferred embodiment, as shown inFIG. 10, the layer no is preferably constructed of a material whereinthe molecules, fibers, or an other suitable component of the materialmay be aligned in a particular direction to influence the overallpliability (i.e., elastic modulus) of the material, for example, thepliability of a polymer material. In this variation, the layer nopreferably includes a first portion 210 wherein the components of thematerial are aligned in a first direction and a second portion 220wherein the components of the material are aligned in a seconddirection. The effective pliability of the layer 110 seen from the forceapplied by the deformed cavity 125 is preferably higher in the secondportion 220 than the first portion 210. For example, in the variationwhere the layer no is a polymer material, polymers molecules that arealigned in a parallel fashion are less structurally resistant to forceapplied perpendicular to the molecules than a force applied along thedirection of alignment. Additionally, polymer molecules that arearranged in a lattice structure (e.g., a “criss-cross” pattern) are alsorelatively structurally resistant to applied force. Because of thesematerial properties, in this example, the molecules are alignedperpendicular to the force resulting from the deformation of the cavity125 in the second portion 220 and parallel to the force resulting fromthe deformation of the cavity 125 and/or arranged in a lattice patternin the first portion 210 (as shown in FIGS. 16 a and 16 b). The layer nomay also include a third portion wherein the molecules are aligned at anangle in between a perpendicular angle and a parallel angle to the forceresulting from the deformation of the cavity 125. This third portionpreferably functions as a transitional region between the first portion210 and the second portion 220. The third portion may alternativelyfunction to provide additional control of the shape of the deformationof the particular region 113. For example, in the variation wherein thedeformation of the particular region 113 is a square-like deformation,the third portion may function to form a concave portion of the square,providing the user with a tactile indication of where to place theirfinger, similar that seen on a key of a keyboard. The second portion 220effectively acts as a material with higher pliability than the firstportion 210 and substantially biases the particular region 113 to deformat a higher degree at the second portion 220 than at the first portion210. The second portion of the third variation preferably functionssimilarly or identically to the second portion of a second thickness inthe first variation. However, any other arrangement of the components ofthe material of the layer 110 suitable to establishing a first andsecond portion may be used. Additionally, similar to the firstvariation, the layer 110 may include a plurality of first and secondportions 210 and 220 to create a desired shape for the deformation ofthe particular region 113.

Implementation of regions of higher pliability and regions of lowerpliability is preferably achieved in one of the above variations, butmay alternatively be of any combination or permutation of the abovevariations or any other suitable variations.

3. Third Preferred Embodiment: Material

The third preferred embodiment utilizes the material composition of thelayer no in relation to the attachment points 112 to control the shapeof the deformation of the particular region 113. The attachment points112 of the third preferred embodiment are preferably similar oridentical to those of the first preferred embodiment. The materialcomposition of the layer 110 in relation to the attachment points 112preferably create regions of higher pliability and regions of lowerpliability. As the cavity 125 is expanded, the particular region 113 isdeformed to accommodate for the adjusted volume and pressure. Theregions of relatively higher pliability will deform (e.g. stretch, bend,and/or compress) more while the regions of relatively lower pliabilitywill deform less. The implementation of certain combinations of theseregions along the layer 113 allows for the control of the shape of thedeformation of the particular region 113. Implementation of such regionsof relatively higher pliability and regions of relatively lowerpliability is preferably achieved in one of several variations.

In a first variation of the third preferred embodiment, as shown inFIGS. 17 a and 17 b, the layer 110 may include a first portion 210 of afirst type of material and a second portion 220 of a second type ofmaterial. The second type of material preferably has a higher pliabilitythan the first type of material, resulting in higher pliability of thesecond portion 220 than the first portion 210. The second portion 220 ofthis first variation of the third preferred embodiment preferablyfunctions similarly or identically to the second portion 220 of thefirst variation of the second preferred embodiment.

The first and second portions 210 and 220 are preferably assembledduring the manufacturing of the layer no. For example, the layer 110 maybe created using a double injection molding process such that the firstand second types of material are bonded during the injection moldingprocess. However, any other manufacturing method suitable to combine twotypes of material may be used. The first and second portions 210 and 220may alternatively be assembled in a post-manufacturing process. Forexample, the first portion 210 and the second portion 220 may bemanufactured independently and then bonded together using adhesive, heattreatment, ultra-sonic boding, oxygen plasma surface treatment, or anyother techniques known to one skilled in the art. However, any othersuitable manufacturing method may be used. Additionally, similar to thefirst variation of the second preferred embodiment, the layer 110 mayinclude a plurality of first and second portions 210 and 220 to create adesired shape for the deformation of the particular region 113.

In a second variation of the third preferred embodiment, as shown inFIGS. 18 a, 18 b, 19, and 20, the layer 110 is preferably made of a basematerial 230 and includes a modifier material 232 that changes thepliability properties of the layer no (for example, lower pliability).The modifier material 232 preferably changes the pliability of the basematerial 230 by providing a physical structure that mechanicallyinteracts with and affects the pliability of the base material, forexample, by providing a scaffold or a support structure across the basematerial 230 and decreasing pliability in locations of the layer nowhich include the modifier material 232. In a second example, themodifier material 232 may change the pliability of the base material 230by chemically interacting with the base material, for example, themodifier material 232 chemically reacts with the base material 230 toform a third material of lower pliability than the base material. Thechemical reaction preferably occurs during the manufacturing process,but may alternatively occur post-manufacturing, for example, the usermay activate the reaction electrically or mechanically. However, themodifier material 232 may modify the pliability of the base material 230in any other suitable manner. In a first example of the modifiermaterial 232, the modifier material 232 is embedded into a first portion210 of the layer no, decreasing the pliability at the first portion 210,and a second portion 220 that includes only the base material.Alternatively, the modifier material 232 may be embedded into the secondportion 220 of the layer 110 to increase pliability and the firstportion 210 is without the modifier material 232.

In the second example of the modifier material 232, the modifiermaterial 232 may include a secondary material 234 and a tertiarymaterial 236, as shown in FIG. 19, where the combination of thesecondary material and the tertiary material changes the pliabilityproperties of the layer 110. The secondary material 234 may be arrangedlengthwise along the layer no and the tertiary material 236 may bearranged widthwise along the layer no and secondary and tertiarymaterials 234 and 236 overlap at an intersection 235. At the locationswhere the secondary and tertiary materials 234 and 236 overlap, thesecondary material 234 and the tertiary material 236 combine to form anarea of different pliability characteristics (for example, higherpliability). In the example as shown in FIG. 19, the intersection 235 islocated within the particular region 113 and forms a second portion 220of increased pliability, but the intersection 235 may alternatively forma first portion 210 of decreased pliability. Alternatively, the secondexample of the modifier material 232 may be of a material type thatchanges pliability in a direct relationship with the amount of materialpresent, for example, a material where the thickness of the materialdetermines pliability. Similar to the variation of the modifier thatincludes a secondary material 234 and a tertiary material 236, a portionof the modifier material 232 may be arranged lengthwise along a thelayer 110 and a second portion of the modifier material 232 may bearranged widthwise along the layer 110 wherein the first and secondportions of the modifier material 232 overlap at an intersection 235. Atthe locations where the first and second portions overlap, a region witha substantially higher content of the modifier material 232 forms,changing the pliability characteristics of the region. In thesevariations of the second example of the modifier material 232, theregion wherein the secondary and tertiary materials 234 and 236 are notcombined or where the content of the modifier material 232 is lower mayalso have a different pliability characteristic from the base material.However, any other suitable arrangement of modifier material 232 may beused.

In a third example of the modifier material 232, the modifier material232 may be the same material as the base material. In this variation,the pliability of the base material 230 may be adjusted when treatedwith a treatment such as heat treatment or ultraviolet treatment. Forexample, the polymer chains of a polymer based base material 230 maycross link when exposed to ultraviolet light, thus decreasing thepliability of the cross linked portions of the base material 23o. Toobtain the effect of a first portion 210 with less pliability and asecond portion 220 with higher pliability, during production a mask maybe placed over the second portion 220 prior to an ultraviolet treatment.As a result, the regions without the mask will become first portions 210with lower pliability and the regions with the mask will remainrelatively more pliable. After the ultraviolet treatment, the basematerial 230 may be coated to prevent further cross-linking of thepolymer chains when exposed to ultraviolet light. However, any othersuitable method may be used to adjust the pliability of particularportions of a base material 230 with adjustable pliability.

The modifier material 232 may be of a material substantially similar tothe base material 230 (e.g., a polymer of a second type embedded into apolymer of a first type) or may alternatively be of a materialsubstantially dissimilar from the base material 230 (e.g., a metallicmaterial embedded into a polymer material). In the variation of themodifier material 232 that includes a secondary material and a tertiarymaterial, the secondary and tertiary materials may be of a materialsubstantially similar or identical to each other and/or the basematerial. Alternatively, the secondary, tertiary, and base materials maybe of substantially different types of materials. The modifier material232 may be arranged into a variety of patterns and/or geometries, suchas a lattice structure (as shown in FIG. 20), a plate structure, aplurality of strips, a ring structure, a plurality of concentric rings,a hexagonal structure, a rectangular structure, or any other suitablestructure to control the shape of the deformation of the particularsurface 113. A plurality of modifier material 232 may also be embeddedat different levels within the thickness of the layer 110. The embeddedmodifier material 232 preferably functions to decrease the overallpliability of the first portion 210, allowing the first portion 210 toeffectively act as a material with lower pliability than the secondportion 220, substantially biasing the particular region 113 to deformat a higher degree in the second portion 220 than at the first portion210. Alternatively, the embedded modifier material 232 may function toincrease the overall pliability of the second portion 220.

The modifier material 232 is preferably embedded into the first portion210 or the second portion 220 during the manufacturing process of thelayer 110. Preferably, the modifier material 232 may be placed within amold for the layer 110 and embedded into the layer 110 at the firstportion 210 during the molding process. Alternatively, the layer 110 maybe manufactured using a layering process wherein thin-layers arestacked. During the stacking process of the thin-layers, the modifiermaterial 232 may be placed in the first portion 210 and embedded intothe layer no during the thin-layer stacking process. In a variation ofthe thin-layer stacking process, the layer 110 may consist of at leasttwo thin-layers wherein the thin-layers are each manufacturedindependently and then assembled with the modifier material 232 placedin between the thin-layers in a suitable arrangement. The thin-layersmay then be attached or bonded using adhesive, heat treatment,ultra-sonic bonding, oxygen plasma surface treatment, or any othertechniques known to one skilled in the art. Alternatively, the modifiermaterial 232 may be formed into the suitable arrangement and theninserted in between two layers of base material. The pre-formed modifiermaterial 232 may then be bonded or attached to the base material. Themodifier material 232 may alternatively be embedded into the firstportion 210 after the layer 110 has been made. For example, the layer nomay be molded to define a niche in the first portion 210. The modifiermaterial 232 is then assembled into the niche and sealed with a sealingmaterial that is preferably substantially similar to the base material230 (for example, a plug made of the base material 230 that is bonded tothe layer no) but may alternatively be of a sealing materialsubstantially dissimilar from the base material 230 (for example, anadhesive or a sealant). The layer no may also be molded as a continuouslayer, wherein a post-manufacturing process creates a niche at the firstportion 210 of the layer 110, allowing the modifier material 232 to beassembled into the niche through a process similar to that mentionedabove. In the variation where the modifier material 232 chemicallyreacts with the base material, the assembled modifier material 232 andbase material 230 of the layer 110 may be put through a heat treatment,an ultraviolet treatment, or any other suitable treatment to activatethe chemical reaction between the modifier material 232 and the basematerial. However, any other suitable method and/or process suitable toembedding a secondary material into the first portion 210 of the layerno may be used.

4. Tactile Layer

As shown in FIGS. 21 a-24 d, the tactile layer no of the preferredsystem 100 functions to provide tactile guidance to a user through adeformable region 113 that is tactilely distinguishable from anundeformable region, at the tactile surface 115 of the tactile layer no,in at least one of the retracted and expanded settings.

The tactile layer 110 may be of any form and any thickness across thedeformable region 113 and the undeformable region. In one variation ofthe preferred system 100, the undeformable region of the tactile layerno is substantially uniform in thickness, and a portion of thedeformable region 113 is of a uniform thickness greater than thethickness of the undeformable region. In this variation and shown inFIGS. 25 a and 25 b, the portion of the deformable region 113 of greaterthickness may substantially resist flexing as compared to a thinnerportion of the deformable region 113 such that the tactile surface 115at the deformable region 113 is substantially planar in both theretracted and expanded settings. In another variation of the preferredsystem 100 and as shown in FIGS. 24 a and 24 b, the undeformable regionof the tactile layer 110 is substantially uniform in thickness, and thedeformable region 113 is of a varying thickness including portions ofthickness greater than the thickness of the undeformable region. In thisvariation, the deformable region 113 is preferably planar at the tactilesurface 115 in the retracted setting and defines a greater thicknessnear the center of the deformable region 113 than at the perimeter ofthe deformable region 113 such that the tactile surface 115 of thedeformable region 113 may also be substantially planar in both theretracted and expanded settings. In yet another variation, thedeformable region 113 may define a “step” at a border between thedeformable and undeformable regions. This step may be rectilinear orcurvilinear in form, or of any other form.

In a further variation of the referred system 100 in which the substrate120 defines a cavity 125, the deformable region 113 may extend into thecavity 125 to contact a wall of the cavity 125 in the retracted state.As shown in FIGS. 24 a, 24 b, 25 a, and 25 b, the wall of the cavity maydefine the support member 119, which may limit inward deformation of thedeformable region 113 due to a force applied to the tactile surface 115.In this variation, the extension of the deformable region 113 into thecavity 125 may be cubic, rectilinear, hemispherical, cylindrical (shownin FIG. 25 a), conical (shown in FIG. 24 a), pyramidal, or of any otherform. As shown in FIGS. 22 a-22 d, the face(s) of the extension arepreferably inset from the face(s) of the cavity 125 to permit theextensions to move unobstructed within the cavity 125 as the deformableregion 113 transitions between the retracted and expanded settings.Alternatively and as shown in FIGS. 24 a and 24 b, the extension may betetrahedral or conical in form, wherein at least one wall of the cavity125 is inclined at a first angle (a “draft” angle) and the extension ofthe deformable region 113 includes a wall of an included angle matchedwith the angle of the inclined wall of the cavity 125. In this example,the inclined face of the extension of the deformable region 113preferably contacts the inclined wall of the cavity 125 in the retractedsetting, wherein the wall of the cavity 125 defines the support member119 that supports the deformable region 113 against inward deformationin the presence of a force on the tactile surface 115. However, theextension may be of any other form and the cavity may include a face ofany other form matched with the extension.

In a variation of the preferred system 100 in which the deformableregion 113 includes an extension into the cavity 125, the extensionand/or the cavity may include a latching feature, as shown in FIGS. 22a-22 d. The latching feature is preferably a mechanical constructionwithin the tactile layer 110 and/or the substrate 120 that providestactile feedback, such as in the form of a “click,” when the deformableregion 113 is depressed. In one example implementation shown in FIGS. 22a and 22 b, the cavity includes a ridge and the extension of the tactilelayer 110 includes a lip such that at least one of the lip and the ridgedeform as the deformable region 113 is depressed into the cavity,wherein deformation of the lip and/or ridge results in a “click.” Inthis example implementation, the geometry of the lip and ridge can latchthe position of the deformable region until a second force is applied,such as by changing fluid pressure within the cavity 125 (e.g., with thedisplacement device 130) or by depressing the deformable region. Inanother example implementation shown in FIGS. 22 c and 22 d, the cavityincludes a ridge and the extension of the tactile layer 110 includes alip such that at least one of the lip and the ridge deform as thedeformable region 113 is depressed into the cavity, wherein deformationof the lip and/or ridge results in a “click.” In this exampleimplementation, the ridge of the cavity is coupled to a bladder orsecond cavity, wherein displacement of fluid into or out of (or increaseor decrease is fluid pressure in) the bladder or second cavity moves thelip into and out of the cavity, respectively, to adjust interferencebetween the lip and the ridge. Generally in this example implementation,the ridge can be moved toward the lip to yield a firmer click, and theridge can be moved away from the lip to yield a softer click or tounlatch the deformable region 113. In this example implementation, thecavity 125 can include one or more ridges coupled to one or morebladders or second cavities, and the one or more bladders or secondcavities can be coupled to the displacement device 130, can be coupledto an independent displacement device, and/or can be controlled by anynumber of valves. In yet another example implementation shown in FIGS.23 a-23 c, the extension of the deformable region 113 includes a pistonthat engages a cylinder in the cavity 125. The extension furtherincludes a lip and the cavity 125 further includes a ridge, as describedabove. In this example implementation, the cavity 125 and cylinder arefilled with the fluid, and as the deformable region is depressed from afirst position to a second position, fluid is trapped in the cylinderand compressed by the piston. Once released, the deformable region 113returns to the first position as the compressed fluid in the cylinderacts as a return spring. Because the lip and/or ridge preferably deformto generate a “click” when the deformable region is depressed from thefirst position to the second position, and because the lip and/or ridgepreferably deform to generate a second “click” when the deformableregion returns to the first position, the example implementation canyield tactile feedback that is a double click. Furthermore, the pistonand cylinder of this example implementation can also be applied to anyof the foregoing example implementations or variations. However, thetactile layer 110, substrate 120, and/or any other elements of thepreferred system 100 can include any other feature or geometry toprovide tactile feedback to a user when the deformable region 113 isdepressed.

In another variation of the preferred system 100 in which the deformableregion 113 is not of uniform thickness, the attachment surface mayextend into the cavity 125, wherein the deformable region 113 is coupledto the attachment surface at one or more locations within the cavity125, as shown in FIGS. 9 a and 9 b. However, the deformable andundeformable regions may be of any other form and interface with thecavity 125 and/or support member 119 in any other way; the supportmember 119 may also be of any other form and operate in any other way tolimit inward deformation of the deformable region 113 due to a forceapplied to the tactile surface 115.

In still another variation of the preferred system 100, the tactilelayer no includes a recess, opposite the tactile surface 115, thatsubstantially defines the fluid channel. The tactile layer 110 ispreferably coupled to the substrate 120 that is uniform (e.g.,continuous) across a face adjacent the tactile layer no. In thisvariation, the fluid channel can be enclosed by substrate 120, and thesubstrate 120 can be physically coextensive with any other the displayor touch sensor, which can yield the benefit of reducing the componentcount of the preferred user interface 100. In this variation, thetactile layer 110 is preferably selectively bonded to the substrate 120,wherein a bonded region of the tactile layer 110 defines theundeformable region and a region not bonded to the substrate 120 definethe deformable region. However, the tactile layer no, substrate 120, andfluid channel can be of any other form or geometry.

As a person skilled in the art of will recognize from the previousdetailed description and from the figures and claims, modifications andchanges can be made to the preferred embodiments of the inventionwithout departing from the scope of this invention defined in thefollowing claims.

We claim:
 1. A user interface comprising: a substrate comprising anattachment surface, defining a cavity adjacent the attachment surface,and defining a fluid channel fluidly coupled to the cavity, the cavitycomprising a first drafted wall including a particular draft angle; atactile layer comprising a tactile surface, a first region, and adeformable region, the first region coupled to the attachment surface atan attachment point, the tactile surface is opposite the substrate, andthe deformable region disconnected from the substrate and comprising aportion extending into the cavity and defining a second drafted wallincluding the particular draft angle; a displacement device configuredto displace fluid through the fluid channel and into the cavity totransition the deformable region between a retracted setting and anexpanded setting, the deformable region defining a first tactileformation at the tactile surface and the second drafted wall in contactwith the first drafted wall in the retracted setting, and the deformableregion defining a second tactile formation different from the firsttactile formation at the tactile surface and the second drafted wallelevated off of the first drafted wall in the expanded setting; and asensor coupled to the substrate and configured to detect an input on thetactile surface.
 2. The user interface of claim 1, wherein the firstregion of the tactile layer is joined to the attachment surface acrossan attachment area comprising the attachment point and defining a borderbetween the deformable region and the first region.
 3. The userinterface of claim 2, wherein the attachment area forms a continuousseal around a perimeter of the cavity.
 4. The user interface of claim1,wherein the deformable region comprises a first portion of a firstpliability and a second portion of a second pliability different fromthat of the first portion.
 5. The user interface of claim 1, wherein thefirst drafted wall supports the second drafted wall to limit inwarddeformation of the deformable region due to a force applied to thetactile surface.
 6. The user interface of claim 5, wherein the firstdrafted wall of the substrate defines a support surface that engages thesecond drafted wall of the portion in response to a force applied to thetactile surface to limit inward deformation of the deformable regioninto the cavity.
 7. The user interface of claim 1, wherein the tactilesurface is continuous across the deformable region and the first region,wherein the first region of the tactile is of a first thickness, whereinthe deformable region of the tactile layer is of a second thicknessgreater than the first thickness across the portion, and wherein thedeformable region is flush with the first region in the retractedsetting.
 8. The user interface of claim 1, wherein, in the expandedsetting, a portion of the tactile surface at the deformable region issubstantially planar and offset from the tactile surface at the firstregion.
 9. The user interface of claim 1, wherein a portion of theattachment surface extends into the cavity.
 10. The user interface ofclaim 1, wherein the substrate further defines a fluid conduitcommunicating fluid through the first drafted wall and toward thedeformable region.
 11. The user interface of claim 1, wherein theattachment surface and the first drafted wall are continuous andadjacent.
 12. The user interface of claim 11, wherein the attachmentsurface and the first drafted wall are planar.
 13. The user interface ofclaim 1, wherein, in the retracted setting, the tactile surface at thedeformable region is offset above the first region by a first distance,and wherein, in the expanded setting, the tactile surface at thedeformable region is offset above the first region by a second distancegreater than the first distance.
 14. The user interface of claim 1,wherein, in the expanded setting, the tactile surface of the deformableregion defines one of: a button, a ridge, a ring, a slider, and apointing stick.
 15. The user interface of claim 1, wherein, in theretracted setting, the tactile surface of the deformable region definesone of: a valley, a ridge, an edge, and a guide.
 16. The user interfaceof claim 1, further comprising a reservoir coupled to the displacementdevice and configured to contain fluid.
 17. The user interface of claim1, wherein the sensor comprises a capacitive touch sensor outputting asignal corresponding to an input on the tactile surface.
 18. The userinterface of claim 1, further comprising a display coupled to thesubstrate and configured to visually output an image through the tactilesurface.
 19. The user interface of claim 18, wherein the display outputsthe image of an input key substantially aligned with the deformableregion.
 20. The user interface of claim 1, wherein the displacementdevice comprises a pump.
 21. The user interface of claim 1, wherein thesubstrate further comprises a second attachment surface and defines asecond cavity adjacent the second attachment surface, the cavitycomprising a third drafted wall including a second draft angle, whereinthe tactile layer further comprises a second deformable regiondisconnected from the substrate and defining a second portion extendinginto the cavity and defining a fourth drafted wall including the seconddraft angle, wherein the displacement device is further configured todisplace fluid into the second cavity to transition the seconddeformable region between a retracted setting and an expanded setting.22. The user interface of claim 21, wherein the displacement deviceselectively transitions the deformable region and the second deformableregion between the retracted setting and the expanded setting.
 23. Theuser interface of claim 1 incorporated into an electronic deviceselected from the group consisting of: an automotive console, a desktopcomputer, a laptop computer, a tablet computer, a television, a radio, adesk phone, a mobile phone, a PDA, a personal navigation device, apersonal media player, a camera, and a watch.
 24. The user interface ofclaim 1, wherein the deformable region and the portion are continuousand comprise an elastomeric material.
 25. The user interface of claim 1,wherein the portion defines a conical geometry and is coupled to thedeformed region opposite the tacticle surface.